FURTHER EDUCATION PROGRAMME

Alumni

The Foundation has been supporting students from the Middle East since 1984. Over the years almost 500 young people have benefited from KRSF scholarships including archaeologists, environmentalists, geneticists, linguists, musicians, nurses, water engineers and university professors. All the Foundation asks of its scholars is that they return to their own country, or another of the Foundation's target countries, immediately upon completion of their studies and remain there for at least three years.

Here are a few examples of what some former KRSF students are doing now.

	Dima Ghanam Syrian, MSc Pharmaceutical Technology, King's College, London In 1998, Dima Ghanam graduated with a BSc in Pharmacy from Damascus University followed by a postgraduate diploma in Industrial Pharmacy. In 2002/03, she was supported by the KRSF to do an MSc in Pharmaceutical Technology at King's College London which she passed with distinction. On completion of her course, Dima returned to the Syrian Ministry of Health and was offered a position in the office of the Vice-Minister for Drug Affairs developing procedures and working in cooperation with experts from the European Union on the Health Sector Modernisation Programme (HSMP). The HSMP focuses on the availability of basic medicines in Syria and is co-ordinating Syria's application for membership of the Pharmaceutical Inspection Convention (PIC/S) which provides international recognition that Syria is applying good quality standards to its products. No Arab country is yet a member of PIC/S.
	Humam Rishmawi Palestinian, Clinical Attachment in Ophthalmology, Kent and Canterbury Hospital Humam obtained a medical degree from Dusseldorf University in 1990. He began working at St John's Eye Hospital in Jerusalem in 1993 and became one of the first ophthalmology trainees at the hospital. In 1995, with the support of St John's Welsh branch, he went to Bristol to do an MSc in Ophthalmology. Humam was awarded a KRSF scholarship in 1998 to do a clinical attachment in Ophthalmology at Kent and Canterbury Hospital and subsequently obtained his Royal College of Surgeons Fellowship in Ophthalmology in Edinburgh in May 2000. Humam then returned to his work as Ophthalmic Registrar at St John's where he ran a number of clinics (including emergency, laser and paediatric) and became involved in the teaching programme at the hospital and at the medical school in Jerusalem. In June 2003, he began a subspecialty fellowship in strabismus (squinting) and neurophthalmology in Giessen, Germany. In July 2004 he returned to St John's Hospital where he is now a consultant ophthalmologist where he deals mainly with ophthalmic problems in children.
	Eman Rasras Jordanian, MSc Environmental Engineering, Newcastle University Eman graduated as a Civil Engineer from the University of Jordan in 1982 and worked with the Ministry of Health as an Environmental Engineer until 1994 when she was awarded a KRSF scholarship to do an MSc in Environmental Engineering at Newcastle University. On her return to Jordan, Eman worked with the Ministry as an environmental engineer, responsible for monitoring industrial pollution. She moved to Kuwait in 1997 where she worked as an environmental advisor for the Kuwait Environment Protection Society (a non-governmental organisation). She now works as a principal environmental engineer for AAC Consulting Engineers. Her work involves carrying out environmental impact assessment studies for development projects.
	Mounir Abi Said Lebanese, Biodiversity, University of Kent, Canterbury Mounir graduated with a BSc in Agricultural Science and an MSc in Animal Science from the American University of Beirut (AUB). He is a research assistant at AUB and director/owner of The Animal Encounter, an educational centre for wildlife conservation in Aley, Lebanon. The Foundation awarded Mounir a scholarship in 2003 to help him complete his research on conflict between carnivores in general and striped hyaena in particular and people in Lebanon and the deterioration of Lebanon's wildlife as a result of deforestation, urban and industrial development and myths which surround mammals such as the striped hyaena. Mounir 's research was done mainly by distance learning and he is now the only person in Lebanon with a PhD in this field. Mounir aims to continue conserving Lebanese wildlife, reintroduce what has been lost and disseminate the knowledge and experience he has gained to local institutions and other researchers.
	Yasar Zahri Syrian, MPhil Evaluation of computer algorithms for modeling and control of water distribution networks, Brunel University Yasar graduated with a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from Damascus University in 1990. Since 1993, he has been employed by the Damascus Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (DAWSSA) as head of the informatics department. Yasar manages DAWSA's computer system and the research he undertook at Brunel University has enabled him to employ new IT techniques to better manage the Damascus water
	Ms Nida El-Helou MSc Public Understanding of Environmental Change, University College London Nida graduated from the American University of Beirut (AUB) in 1998 with a BSc in Environmental Health. She subsequently worked as an Environmental Health Adviser with Norwegian People's Aid; on a Public Health and Rehabilitation project in Shatila Camp and held various research positions at AUB in collaboration with institutions such as the World Health Organisation and UNICEF. She was supported by the KRSF for an MSc in Public Understanding of Environmental Change at University College London 2001/02. Since January 2004 Neda has worked as Technical Assistant and Deputy Director on a United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) project which aims to establish a centre to introduce cleaner production know-how, techniques and technology into Lebanese industry. The Centre will encourage the design and manufacture of environmentally friendly products; provide access to international markets for local products; reverse the adverse environmental impacts of industrial production; encourage sustainable development and help industries to implement environmental management systems.
	Ms Lama Najjoum Syrian, MA English Language Teaching, University of Warwick Lama graduated from the University of Damascus with a BA in English followed by diplomas in translation and linguistics. Before travelling to the UK for her KRSF supported MA in English Language Teaching at the University of Warwick, Lama held a number of teaching jobs. Since she completed her postgraduate degree and returned to Syria she has been teaching at the English for Special Purposes Centre at Damascus University as well as coordinating the University’s international relations with English speaking countries. Lama recently participated in a Syrian/American exchange programme which aims to promote friendship and understanding between the two countries and counteract negative stereotypes.
	Mr Mohammed Hjouj Palestinian, MSc Medical Imaging, University of Leeds Mohammed studied Biological Science at Yarmouk University from 1985-1987. He followed this with an X-Ray Diploma from Al-Quds University in 1992 and a BSc in Medical Imaging which he obtained from Al-Quds University in 2002. Before coming to the UK, Mohammad worked as a hospital technician performing x-rays, scans and angiographies. Mohammed was supported by the KRSF for an MSc in Medical Imaging at the University of Leeds in 2003/04. On completion of his course he returned to the Medical Imaging Department of Jerusalem’s Makassed Hospital. In addition to performing x-rays, flouroscopies, CT and MRI examinations, Mohammed is involved in the hospital’s new continuous learning programme and presents regular lectures on new developments in medical imaging. He also lectures at Al-Quds University.
	Ms Darine Hamze Lebanese, MA Art and Media Practice, University of Westminster Darine graduated from the Lebanese University with a BA in Theatre Arts in 1999. After graduation she held a number of different positions in the Lebanese media including TV Programmer for ART International; Assistant Director at Future TV; Casting Director for City Film Production and Media Collaborator at the Ministry of Culture. Darine was supported by the KRSF for an MA in Art and Media Practice at the University of Westminster in 2003/04 during which she held two exhibitions in London art galleries as part of her final project. She also travelled to Ireland as producer and production manager for a film (Killing the Afternoon) funded by the Arts Council England and the Arts Council Ireland. Since her return to Lebanon she has been teaching courses in the History of Art at the American University of Beirut (AUB) and courses in Non-linear Editing and Introduction to Acting at the American University College of Science and Technology (AUST).